I've got a Kimber Pro carry which has an aluminum frame. It was my first 1911 and I wanted to make it a carry gun. Now that I've had it for a little over a year and put well over 1000 rounds thru it, I know I need a steel gun to shoot. I'm going to continue to carry and shoot my kimber but a full sized steel gun would satisfy my range needs much better.

I should mention that aluminum on aluminum doesn't wear any better. Aluminum is a great material but not the best wear metal. Steel on aluminum will actually wear better then aluminum on itself. Similar to stainless on stainless(unless it's a very mild stainless like those found in gun metals which is actually magnetic and will rust), it will gall and make a mess out of both surfaces.

If you do end up going aluminum frame, a good lube will go a long way.

__________________
If the pain is lacking so is the discipline...

"the only 911 call I need is chambering a round" - Mr. Muller, MO car dealer

The classic Sig P series guns are steel slides on alloy frames. Many folks have many thousands of rounds thru them without problems. About the only disadvantage I see with an alloy frame is more recoil due to the lesser weight...

The classic Sig P series guns are steel slides on alloy frames. Many folks have many thousands of rounds thru them without problems. About the only disadvantage I see with an alloy frame is more recoil due to the lesser weight...

For the most part you are correct, you aren't going to wear out an aluminum frame very easily. However, if I wanted a pistol for high round count and range use, I would want steel.

__________________
If the pain is lacking so is the discipline...

"the only 911 call I need is chambering a round" - Mr. Muller, MO car dealer

Well, I will no doubt catch hell over this, but consider the Smith & Wesson's with their scandium alloy frames. They are just as light as simple aluminum, but much stronger. Sadly, many curse the S&W's because of their external extractor, even though they are highly efficient; they require no retensioning/tuning of the extractor. I guess it is looks over what works best with the least amount of care.

Well, I will no doubt catch hell over this, but consider the Smith & Wesson's with their scandium alloy frames. They are just as light as simple aluminum, but much stronger. Sadly, many curse the S&W's because of their external extractor, even though they are highly efficient; they require no retensioning/tuning of the extractor. I guess it is looks over what works best with the least amount of care.

First, I need to state my public rant directed towards the S&W 1911 external extractor has nothing to do with its efficacy. The external extractor is a historically proven system that I trust my life to when carrying my Browning Hi-Power. Functionally there is nothing wrong with the S&W extraction system. Itís just ugly, plus itís fun to stir up the S&W 1911 fan boys.

My real dislike is the external extractor isnít a JMB-original design in either the BHP or the 1911 pattern pistol. Donít hate the hater. It is also a portal for the introduction of dirt to the unnecessary addition of moving parts. In the function of spent casing extraction, less is more and the genius of Mr. Browning is evident in his simple, one-piece extractor design.

Now to your statement, "...they require no retensioning/tuning of the extractor." (sic) In my life long experience of shooting the original "true" JMB 1911 pattern pistol I have yet found the need to retention the extractor. I have found the tuning of the extractor to be a brilliant exercise in allowing you to drop your brass exactly where you want! Do that with your spring and moment arm.

well I have made the leap. I want to thank you all for the great advice. I have over shot my budget and bought a Kimber Super Carry Pro with the 4 inch barrel. I plan to carry this gun most of the time and hope to enjoy it on my range days as well. Ill post pics after I pick it up on Monday.
Thanks again everyone. you were all most helpful.

__________________BEN
You can run but you ll only die tired.
Semper Fi